Electric Line Clearance Consultative Committee

Function

Section 87(1) of the Electricity Safety Act 1998 (the Act) provides the constitution of the Electric Line Clearance Consultative Committee (ELCCC).

The committee’s function is to provide advice to Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) and the Minister with regard to:

• The preparation and maintenance of the Code of Practice for electric line clearance (ELC)
• Any matter relating to ELC, when requested so to do by ESV or the Minister

Membership

The membership of the ELCCC is governed by Section 87 of the Act. The committee is composed of 13 members from various organisations, government agencies and the community, based on their expertise and outlook.

The organisations and interest groups represented on the committee are:

• Distribution and transmission businesses
• Local government
• Planning
• Land management
• Private land owners
• Environment
• Natural Conservation
• Energy Safe Victoria
• Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
• VicRoads
• Country Fire Authority

Powerlines and safety

The membership allows for a diversity of opinions in regards to the clearance of trees near powerlines. Committee members’ have differing views and expectations in regards to costs, visual amenity and the protection of tree health.

However, the outcome on which all stakeholders agree is the minimisation, and if possible, the elimination of situations created by trees coming into contact with powerlines. The safety of people and property is an agreed objective.

Contact the Committee

Email the Committee at ELCCC@energysafe.vic.gov.au.